Evaluate one of the neurotransmitters covered in this week’s readings.

PSY 350 – 5 psych discussions due in 30 hours

Please be sure that all discussions have their own reference list and each discussion is separated

(1) Neurotransmitters [WLOs: 1, 2, 3] [CLOs: 1, 2, 4] Prior to beginning work on this discussion, read Chapters 3 and 4 in your course textbook, and watch The nervous system and the senses video. This week’s required and recommended materials will cover topics on neurotransmitters, receptors, neurotransmitter systems, nervous system structures and function, and neural pathways, with a focus on their role in cognition and behavior (both normal and abnormal). Remember, in this course our focus is on the neurobiology of psychological disorders, and these resources will assist you in completing your coursework.

Please choose either Option A or Option B for your discussion posting.

Option A

Complete the following:

· Evaluate one of the neurotransmitters covered in this week’s readings.

o Explain the role it plays in modulating responses to a drug of abuse in Substance Use Disorder (SUD).

§ For example, you could choose the acetylcholine receptor system and discuss the role this neurotransmitter plays in nicotine use disorder (addiction to nicotine).

o In addition to your evaluation of the specific neurotransmitter and its associated receptor system, discuss the involved neuroanatomical structures (brain regions and neural pathways); the contribution of genetics and environment to the development of dependence, tolerance, and addiction to this substance; as well as clinical treatment interventions (both pharmacological and nonpharmacological).

o Also in your discussion, imagine you are in a career position that utilizes a degree in psychology, including, but not limited to, that of a social worker, teacher or teacher’s aide, child care worker, psychiatric technician or other behavioral health staff, peer support specialist, social service specialist, probation or parole officer, case manager, or counselor.

§ How would your knowledge of the neurobiology of Substance Use Disorder (substance abuse/addiction) help you in your professional life?

§ How would this knowledge help you better assist your clients, students, or patients?

§ For instance, think of how this knowledge would help reduce the stigma associated with this disorder, or how this might reinforce the need for compliance with recommended treatment.

You must use a minimum of one peer-reviewed or scholarly source that was published within the last five years, documented in APA style, as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center. Your post should be a minimum of 250 words. You may cite and reference your textbook, required or recommended reading, or multimedia, but these will not fulfill the source requirement.

Make sure to use terminology from the DSM-5 for the substance use disorder that you select to discuss. Please be sure to access the DSM-5 directly in our library. For further information view The DSM-5: Accessing and Using the DSM-5 in the Ashford University Library (Links to an external site.) screencast on how to access and use this resource, and how to cite and reference the DSM-5.

Option B

Complete the following:

· Evaluate one of the neurotransmitters covered in this week’s readings.

o Explain the role it plays in a neurological or psychological disorder of your choice.

§ For example, you could choose the dopaminergic (dopamine) system and discuss the role this neurotransmitter has in the development of schizophrenia.

o In addition to your evaluation of the specific neurotransmitter and its associated receptor system, discuss how this disorder is thought to involve abnormalities of neuroanatomical structures and neural pathways, as well as the contribution of genetics and environment to the development and clinical management of this disorder.

o Also in your discussion, imagine you are in a career position that utilizes a degree in psychology, including but not limited to that of a social worker, teacher or teacher’s aide, child care worker, psychiatric technician or other behavioral health staff, peer support specialist, social service specialist, probation or parole officer, case manager, or counselor.

§ How would your knowledge of this information regarding the neurobiology of the neuropsychological disorder help you in your professional life?

§ How would this knowledge help you better assist your clients, students, or patients?

§ For instance, think of how this knowledge would help reduce the stigma associated with this disorder, or how this might reinforce the need for compliance with recommended treatment.

You must use a minimum of one peer-reviewed or scholarly source that was published within the last five years, documented in APA style, as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center. Your post should be a minimum of 250 words. You may cite and reference your textbook, required or recommended reading, or multimedia, but these will not fulfill the source requirement.

Make sure to use terminology from the DSM-5 for psychological/behavioral health conditions and current terminology from professional sources for neurological conditions. Please be sure to access the DSM-5 directly in our library. For further information view The DSM-5: Accessing and Using the DSM-5 in the Ashford University Library (Links to an external site.) screencast on how to access and use this resource, and how to cite and reference the DSM-5.

(2) Consciousness and Sleep

Prior to beginning work on this discussion, read Chapters 5 and 8 in your course textbook, and view the Sleep Disorders video. These required materials examine topics on neurotransmitter and receptor systems, anatomical structures, neurological functional pathways, and their role in control of movement, consciousness and sleep, and how they correlate to selected related disorders.

Please choose either Option A or Option B for your discussion posting:

Option A

Complete the following:

· Evaluate one of the disorders of consciousness covered this week.

· Explain theories of etiology (causation), including the neuroanatomical structures, neurotransmitter/receptor systems, and the functional nervous system (neural) pathways involved.

o Include an analysis of the contribution of genetics, the environment, and lifestyle to the development and natural history of the condition.

o Provide information regarding diagnostic criteria, and evaluate options for care interventions (both pharmacological and nonpharmacological).

o Be sure to identify the neuroanatomical structures and any neurotransmitter/receptor systems involved.

· Also in your discussion, imagine you are in a career position that utilizes a degree in psychology, including, but not limited to, that of a social worker, teacher or teacher’s aide, child care worker, psychiatric technician or other behavioral health staff, peer support specialist, social service specialist, probation or parole officer, case manager, or counselor.

o How would your knowledge of the neurobiology of sleep disorders or disorders of consciousness help you in your professional life?

o Would you be able to better assist your clients, students, or patients with this knowledge?

You must use a minimum of one peer-reviewed and/or scholarly source that was published within the last five years, documented in APA style, as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center. Your post should be a minimum of 250 words. You may cite and reference your textbook, required or recommended reading, or multimedia, but these will not fulfill the source requirement.

Make sure to use terminology from the DSM-5 for psychological/behavioral health conditions and current terminology from professional sources for neurological conditions. Please be sure to access the DSM-5 directly in our library. For further information view The DSM-5: Accessing and Using the DSM-5 in the Ashford University Library (Links to an external site.) screencast on how to access and use this resource, and how to cite and reference the DSM-5.

Option B

Complete the following:

· Evaluate one of the sleep disorders covered this week.

· Explain theories of etiology (causation), including the neuroanatomical structures, neurotransmitter/receptor systems, and the functional nervous system (neural) pathways involved.

o Include an analysis of the contribution of genetics, environment, and lifestyle to the development and natural history of the condition.

o Provide information regarding diagnostic criteria and evaluate options for care interventions (both pharmacological and nonpharmacological).

o Be sure to identify the neuroanatomical structures and any neurotransmitter/receptor systems involved.

· Also in your discussion, imagine you are in a career position that utilizes a degree in psychology, including but not limited to that of a social worker, teacher or teacher’s aide, child care worker, psychiatric technician or other behavioral health staff, peer support specialist, social service specialist, probation or parole officer, case manager, or counselor.

o How would your knowledge of the neurobiology of sleep disorders or disorders of consciousness help you in your professional life?

o Would you be able to better assist your clients, students, or patients with this knowledge?

You must use a minimum of one peer-reviewed and/or scholarly source that was published within the last five years, documented in APA style, as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center. Your post should be a minimum of 250 words. You may cite and reference your textbook, required or recommended reading, or multimedia, but these will not fulfill the source requirement.

Make sure to use terminology from the DSM-5 for psychological/behavioral health conditions and current terminology from professional sources for neurological conditions. Please be sure to access the DSM-5 directly in our library. For further information view The DSM-5: Accessing and Using the DSM-5 in the Ashford University Library (Links to an external site.) screencast on how to access and use this resource, and how to cite and reference the DSM-5.

(3) Eating Disorders

Prior to beginning work on this discussion, read Chapters 9 and 10 in your course textbook and watch the Nutrition and Eating Disorders video.

In this discussion,

· Choose one eating disorder that you read about in your textbook and check the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) for current terminology and diagnostic criteria; or, you may choose to discuss any one of the currently recognized eating disorders from the DSM-5.

o Your initial posting should analyze the neurobiology of the disorder, including information on neurotransmitters/receptors and neurotransmitter systems, brain structures, nervous system pathways, and genetic, familial, lifestyle, and environmental factors.

· Discuss the impact of the eating disorder on the individual, as well as the rationale for available treatment options available for that disorder and their success or failure.

o Include treatments that are based on psychological, medical, pharmacological (drug), and other available interventions.

· Also in your discussion, imagine you are in a career position that utilizes a degree in psychology. These may include but are not limited to careers such as a social worker, teacher or teacher’s aide, child care worker, psychiatric technician or other behavioral health staff, peer support specialist, social service specialist, probation or parole officer, case manager, human resources professional, or counselor.

o How would your knowledge of the neurobiology of eating disorders help you in your professional life?

o How would this knowledge help you better assist your clients, students, or patients?

o For instance, think of how this knowledge would help reduce the stigma associated with this disorder, or how this might reinforce the need for compliance with recommended treatment.

You must use a minimum of one peer-reviewed and/or scholarly source that was published within the last five years, documented in APA style, as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center. Your post should be a minimum of 250 words. You may cite and reference your textbook, required or recommended reading, /or multimedia, but these will not fulfill the source requirement.

· Make sure to use terminology from the DSM-5 for psychological/behavioral health conditions and current terminology from professional sources for neurological conditions. Please be sure to access the DSM-5 directly in our library. For further information view The DSM-5: Accessing and Using the DSM-5 in the Ashford University Library (Links to an external site.) screencast on how to access and use this resource, and how to cite and reference the DSM-5.

(4)Schizophrenia and Smoking

Prior to beginning work on this discussion, read Chapters 11 and 12 in your course textbook, which cover the biological basis of emotion, addiction (substance abuse disorder), and disordered behavior. It is known that the rate of smoking behaviors in schizophrenia occurs at a higher rate than the general population, and there are many theories in the research literature that have tried to explain this connection. In this discussion, you will analyze the high rate of smoking in those diagnosed with schizophrenia compared to the general population.

In your discussion, be sure to

· Discuss the neurobiology of nicotine use disorder, nicotine dependence, and smoking behaviors as a substance use disorder.

· In addition, describe the relationship between the neurobiology and psychological factors in schizophrenia and the connection to smoking behaviors.

o Include information on brain structures, neural pathways, neurotransmitters/receptors, and genetics in schizophrenia, as well as how psychological factors may affect the prevalence of smoking in this population, as well as the success of smoking cessation interventions.

You must use a minimum of one peer-reviewed and/or scholarly source that was published within the last five years, documented in APA style, as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center. Your post should be a minimum of 250 words. You may cite and reference your textbook, required or recommended reading, or  multimedia, but these will not fulfill the source requirement.

· Make sure to use terminology from the DSM-5 for psychological/behavioral health conditions and current terminology from professional sources for neurological conditions. Please be sure to access the DSM-5 directly in our library. For further information view The DSM-5: Accessing and Using the DSM-5 in the Ashford University Library (Links to an external site.) screencast on how to access and use this resource, and how to cite and reference the DSM-5.

(5) Brain Injury and Damage

Prior to beginning work on this discussion, read Chapter 13 of the course text, and watch the What is a Stem Cell? and Brain Injury and the Remarkable Rebuilding of the Brain videos. These resources cover brain injury and repair.

In your discussion,

· Analyze the clinical, biological, and psychological factors that are important in successful recovery of brain functions after brain damage.

o How can the brain repair itself or restore lost function after traumatic brain injury (TBI) or other causes of brain damage?

o Be sure to focus on the concept and mechanisms in neuroplasticity. The text lists ways that the brain can repair itself, but reminds us later in the chapter that in adults in most areas of the brain neurons cannot replicate (undergo mitosis in the process of neurogenesis) to replace lost/dead neurons. There are some areas of the brain, such as the hippocampus (which is responsible for formation of new memories), which are capable of neurogenesis, but in adults other areas of the brain must utilize neuroplasticity to restore lost function.

In addition,

· Discuss what clinical, biological, and psychological factors are important in successful brain function recovery outcomes.

· What are some clinical interventions (e.g., medication, surgery, stem cell therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, rehabilitation techniques, and psychotherapy) that help facilitate the restoration of lost brain function?

o Include information on brain structures, pathways, neurotransmitters/receptors, and psychological factors when discussing the topic areas above.

o Additional emphasis should be placed on relating the underlying pathology of brain trauma and damage to the actual biological mechanisms of how various treatments support repair or restoration of function.

· Also in your discussion, imagine you are in a career position that utilizes a degree in psychology. These may include, but are not limited to, careers such as a social worker, teacher or teacher’s aide, child care worker, psychiatric technician or other behavioral health staff, peer support specialist, social service specialist, probation or parole officer, case manager, human resources professional, rehabilitation of vocational counselor, or behavioral counselor.

o How would your knowledge of the neurobiology of traumatic brain injury help you in your professional life?

o How would this knowledge help you better assist your clients, students, or patients?

§ For instance, think of how this knowledge would help support reinforce the need for compliance with recommended treatments, or how to implement recommendations for modifications of the patient’s work or lifestyle to accommodate complications of brain injury.

In keeping with the focus of this class, the emphasis should be placed on the role of neurotransmitter and receptor systems, neuroanatomical (brain) regions and structures, functions of different brain regions, and neurological functional pathways. You must use a minimum of one peer-reviewed and/or scholarly source that was published within the last five years, documented in APA style, as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center. Your post should be a minimum of 250 words. You may cite and reference your textbook, required or recommended reading, or multimedia, but these will not fulfill the source requirement.

Text

Wilson, J. F. (2013). Biological basis of behavior. Retrieved from https://content.ashford.edu

· This text is a Constellation™ course digital materials (CDM) title.

Book

· American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders: DSM-5 (5th ed.). http://dx.doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596

Multimedia

· Australian Broadcasting Corporation (Producer). (2009). What is a stem cell? [Streaming video]. Retrieved from Films on Demand database.

· Bookheimer, S. (Writer), Harrigan, J. (Director), & Crosstown Productions, Davidson Films (Producers). (2007). Discovering the human brain: New pathways to neuroscience, with Susan Bookheimer, Ph.D [Streaming video]. Retrieved from Films on Demand database.

· Brown, K. (Writer & Producer), & Lerner, E., Learner, A. C. (Executive Producers). (2006). Sleep disorders [Streaming video]. Retrieved from Films on Demand database.

· Dean, C. (Director & Producer). (2009). The nervous system and the senses [Series episode]. In C. Claudin (Executive Producer), The human body: How it works [Streaming video]. Retrieved from Films on Demand database.

· Dean, C. (Writer, Director, & Producer). (2011). Nutrition and eating disorders [Series episode]. In B. Kloza (Executive Producer), Healthy eating: A guide to nutrition [Streaming video]. Retrieved from Films on Demand database.

· Farley, C. (Writer), & Beaty, S. (Producer). (2006). Brain injury and the remarkable rebuilding of the brain [Video segment]. In, Inside out-The most amazing machine: Neuroscience and behavior (Episode #103) [Series episode]. In Intelecom (Executive Producer), Inside out [Streaming video]. Retrieved from Films on Demand database.

· Garner, S. (Writer), Breitenmoser, K. (Director), & Baricevic, T. (Producer). (2012). Multicellular organisms and their nervous systems [Streaming video]. Retrieved from Films on Demand database.